Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabriella Quintanilla and Rhea Sareen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gabriella Quintanilla, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For us, purpose wasn’t something we stumbled upon overnight – it was shaped by both our professional paths and our personal journeys. With backgrounds in consulting and PR, we built a strong foundation in strategy, creativity, and communication. At the same time, as we entered adulthood, we discovered a deep love for Pilates and wellness that quickly became part of our identity.
We’ve been best friends for over 16 years, and life has tested that bond in profound ways. One of us lost her mom suddenly in college, and years later, while we were dreaming up this company, the other faced the same heartbreak when her mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was in the wake of that diagnosis that we decided to bring our vision to life, turning grief into purpose and creating something meaningful together.
Those experiences – lived at different times but always side by side – inspired us to honor the women who shaped us. We found that purpose in the space of fitness, with Pilates at its core – the place where we discovered safety, comfort, and healing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At Almla Active, we create elevated, fashion-forward grip socks for Pilates, barre, yoga, and beyond. Each collection is themed and community-driven, so there’s always something fresh to look forward to. We love that every drop includes a pair for everyone – from the Espresso Martini sock in our Happy Hour Collection to the Blueberry sock from our Fruits and Veggies collection.
What makes Almla special is that it’s more than a sock brand – it’s a story of friendship, resilience, and purpose. We built Almla to honor the women who shaped us while creating something that inspires confidence and joy in movement.
Most recently, we launched our Best Furry Friends Collection, with a portion of proceeds supporting The Big 3 Rescue – a nonprofit saving dogs from the Asian meat trade. And this summer, we’re hosting our first Puppies & Pilates event in Orange County, where pups and their humans can come together for movement, connection, and a lot of fun.
We’re so grateful for the community that’s growing with us, and we can’t wait to continue expanding Almla in ways that bring both style and soul into the wellness space.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that shaped our journey most were adaptability, confidence, and vision.
Adaptability allowed us to navigate the unknowns of launching our product – from sourcing the right suppliers to learning the ins and outs of production and distribution. For anyone just starting out, embrace change as part of the process and remember that the so‑called ‘fails’ or ‘mistakes’ often teach you more than the wins.
Confidence was essential in trusting our instincts and believing in our idea, even when we didn’t yet have tangible proof to back it up. Our advice: show up as the most confident version of yourself, even on the days you don’t feel it. Sometimes ‘faking it’ is what helps you grow into truly owning that confidence.
Finally, vision kept us anchored. From the start, we weren’t just building a sock brand – we were creating something with deeper meaning, with the intention to disrupt the space and create legacy. For those early in their journey, define your ‘why’ with clarity. A strong vision not only guides your decisions but also inspires others to believe in what you’re building.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing our mothers did for us was instill a deep sense of resilience and a true zest for life. They showed us, each in their own way, the importance of working hard, caring deeply, and choosing to fall in love with life every single day. Even though we’ve both lost our moms, their influence continues to guide us – giving us the courage to dream big, the strength to keep going when things get hard, and the perspective to move through every step of life with deep gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://almlaactive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almlaactive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Almla-Active/61568229435971/#
Image Credits
Photos by Gracie Shafqat Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
